An innovative project designed to support people into employment, including help for those facing mental health challenges in the workplace, has been launched.

The programme is being funded by Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils, which have combined their grant allocations from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. The fund aims to improve pride in place while increasing life chances by investing in communities and supporting local businesses and people.

A total of four bespoke programmes are now underway, with each designed to address business needs within the districts.

They are:

• The Employability Programme – offers help to get people back into employment and supports them once they find it. This includes a series of courses providing people with personal development plans, industrial engagement opportunities, entrepreneurial skills and much more.
• The Skills Academies Project – provides opportunities for residents to experience work taster sessions and develops a pipeline of employees to fulfil shortfalls in the food and drink, energy and utility, science and technology, and engineering and manufacturing sectors.
• The Green Skills Project – supports the development and capacity of green skills courses to help residents gain green qualifications or complete other relevant courses. This will also complement the development of the Gateway 14 Skills and Innovation Centre.
• The Mental Health Project – helps businesses to retain staff or recruit staff with mild to moderate mental health issues, with appropriate support offered to help individuals remain in employment.

Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils have partnered with West Suffolk College to carry out the skills programme, with the employability, skills academies and green skills projects all being carried out by the college. Optima UK, an occupational health and wellbeing service, will take on the mental health project.

Cllr Derek Davis, Babergh District Council cabinet member for economic growth, said: "Getting into the world of work isn't a straightforward process for everyone, but with the introduction of our skills programme, we are looking to address some of the issues that people may face.

"By offering our residents the chance to develop their professional skills alongside support for their mental health, we are aiming to help people fulfil their potential."

Deborah Barton, assistant principal for personal and professional learning programmes at West Suffolk College, said: "We are delighted to be playing a lead part in this project that will actively help individuals and businesses in our community.

 "We will be using our expertise to increase awareness, knowledge and skills in key employment sectors such as food production and manufacturing, green skills, science, technology, utilities and hospitality. Supporting Mid Suffolk and Babergh residents to develop the essential skills that employers require and to help progress their careers or kick start a new one is something we are incredibly proud to be involved in. We can't wait to make a positive difference by delivering these exciting programmes."

Larraine Boorman, CEO of Optima UK, said: "The councils are to be congratulated on having the foresight to develop an innovative project that will benefit people, businesses, and the local area. 

"We're delighted to be working with Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils to help individuals and organisations across the region with our carefully structured mental health and wellbeing training – which has already helped many organisations and individuals across the country."